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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue specialising in social justice. She reports on a wide range of issues including poverty and inequality, the benefits system, disability rights, housing, health, immigration, gender equality and much more. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025. She was also a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30, and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
My son mysteriously vanished 17 years ago – Christmas is just another reminder he's gone
andrew gosden, who went missing 17 years ago
Missing people

My son mysteriously vanished 17 years ago – Christmas is just another reminder he's gone

These domestic abuse survivors are learning how to cycle. It helps them find freedom and hope
Lucy Dance, who runs the cycling project in the women's refuge. Image: Supplied
Cycling

These domestic abuse survivors are learning how to cycle. It helps them find freedom and hope

Millions of pensioners in 'desperate need' lose winter fuel payment: 'We fear what will happen'
pensioner with his head in his hands
Winter fuel payment

Millions of pensioners in 'desperate need' lose winter fuel payment: 'We fear what will happen'

Women are being sent to prison in UK for self-defence or being coerced: 'I lost everything'
Woman in prison
Criminal justice

Women are being sent to prison in UK for self-defence or being coerced: 'I lost everything'

Prices rise at highest rate in months: 'Families are still struggling with the cost of living'
Rachel Reeves
Inflation

Prices rise at highest rate in months: 'Families are still struggling with the cost of living'

I faced oppression as an LGBTQ+ man in Syria. We need to keep fighting for a brighter future
Khaled Alesmael, an LGBTQ+ writer from Syria
Syria

I faced oppression as an LGBTQ+ man in Syria. We need to keep fighting for a brighter future

'I was restrained for hours': Mental health hospitals accused of 're-traumatising' patients
a person in a hospital gown
Mental health

'I was restrained for hours': Mental health hospitals accused of 're-traumatising' patients

Women reveal vile abuse they receive while running: 'I have to hold keys between my fingers'
a woman running
Violence against women

Women reveal vile abuse they receive while running: 'I have to hold keys between my fingers'

'It's changed our life': These modern slavery survivors are finding hope at Christmas through music
modern slavery choir
Modern slavery

'It's changed our life': These modern slavery survivors are finding hope at Christmas through music

TikTok star and teacher Shabaz Ali: 'Kids should not be going without food in this country'
shabaz ali @shabazsays
Child poverty

TikTok star and teacher Shabaz Ali: 'Kids should not be going without food in this country'

Olympic boxer Cindy Ngamba: 'I want to show the world that refugees can do anything'
Refugee boxer Cindy Ngamba
Sport

Olympic boxer Cindy Ngamba: 'I want to show the world that refugees can do anything'

Fuel poverty in the UK: Why can’t people pay their energy bills?
a side-on view of a gas hob which has been lit
Cost of living crisis

Fuel poverty in the UK: Why can’t people pay their energy bills?